Braska's Journey Chapter 2: Approaching Bikanel
(Author's note: As an alternative to forcing you to sift through the crazy moon language, I'm substituting most Al Bhed phrases with direct translations in parentheses. I will still use Al Bhed when a nonspeaker overhears it, or when a phrase common to the Al Bhed is being used.)
As they finally left land, Braska and his crew discussed their plans, and that which was ahead. They knew they wouldn't be universally welcomed, but they were confident that if each one did their duties correctly, they would be able to fulfill their mission of peace.
"You know," Braska cautioned the group, "That we won't be welcomed right away."
The crew nodded in affirmation
"So we need to proceed with the utmost caution. We've come to see the tribe leader, but in the meantime we will have to deal with people who aren't going to like us. We are syehmyhtanc, and as such, we will be suspicious to them. Marx, Danic. Don't engage any of them in combat unless engaged first. Zysac, be very careful in talking to them, and do not engage anyone who doesn't address you other than the tribe leader. I trust you guys. Do you trust me? "
"Like no other." The crew stated in unison.
"Then hear me out." Braska pulled out a map of Bikanel Island. "The tribal leader's headquarters is at the center of Home, which is right here (he pointed just a little bit outside the map's center). When we arrive, we must head straight for that place, with as little deviation as is necessary for our safety. Are we clear on that, guys?"
"Agreed."
"Absolutely"
"Without question"
Only a few minutes later, a heavily accented voice came up on Braska's audio communication sphere.
The voice spoke first in Al Bhed, then in Spiran:
"Drec ec dra Bikanel Puntan Bydnum. Cdyda ouin hysac yht binbuca." ("This is the Bikanel Border Patrol. State your names and purpose.")
The Al Bhed may have had their machina and everything, but they didn't have any problem communicating via good old fashioned spheres.
Braska stated in Spiran: "We are Braska, Danic, Marx and Zysac of Besaid. We come in peace. Bayla. No weapons drawn. We need only to speak with your leader. One of your own is among us and the rest mean no harm to you."
He then whispered into the ear of Zysac the mediator: "Translate. If they know we have an Al Bhed on our side, it'll be easier for them to accept us."
"Fa yna Braska, Danic, Marx yht Zysac uv Besaid. Fa lusa eh bayla, hu faybuhc tnyfh. Fa haat uhmo du cbayg fedr ouin maytan. E ys uha uv ouin ufh yht dra nacd du oui." He modified it to emphasize that he, the speaker, was one of them.
The voice continued, in the same language. "Cdyda ouin picehacc." ("State your business.")
"We're here to learn more about the Al Bhed, debunk myths about you guys and promote peace between our people and yours, in the hope that we can see past our differences and work together for a better Spira."
"Then you will allow us to flank you and escort you the rest of the way?"
"We accept."
"We will approach very shortly. Do not proceed any further. Stay where you are until we arrive, then follow us. If you deviate, we will block your way by any means necessary, including the possibility of opening fire."
Two Bikanel Border Patrol ships had arrived on Braska's sides, just a little closer to the island than they were. As he followed them on the proper path to the island, he and the rest of his crew realized that this was just the beginning of their trials.